Scottish Hydro Electric Transmission applied for the development near its existing facility at Newton of Sandford as part a major upgrade to its wider network.

During a meeting of the full council last week, elected members heard that the works will include a platform area, control building, associated plant and infrastructure, ancillary facilities, landscape works, road alterations and general site improvements.

The project will enable the safe transmission of renewable energy from a number of land-based and offshore schemes including increased generation for Peterhead Power Station.

The local authority’s Buchan area committee recently welcomed the development and noted the regional and national significance of the proposal and, in particular, the contribution of the scheme in transitioning towards a low carbon economy through enabling the development of renewable schemes across the region.

Aberdeenshire Council senior planner Mairi Stewart told councillors that the proposal was classed as a ‘national development’ which will see the North-east transmission network upgraded from Rothienorman to Peterhead to operate at 400kV as opposed to the existing operation at 275kV.

Ms Stewart said the benefits of the scheme would be realised beyond Aberdeenshire and therefore the scheme would be of regional and national significance.

Councillors were advised that officers had no concerns regarding the landscape and visual impact and that the size and scale were appropriate in terms of the existing infrastructure on-site.

Tommy Hart of Scottish Hydro Electric said the applicants were “delighted” to have the backing of planners and expected to have the works completed within two-and-a-half years.

He added that the company was committed to hosting an event for local contractors to bid for work on the new development.

Councillors approved a delegated grant which, in addition to a number of conditions, will include the addition of an impact assessment covering the remote radar station lying to the south of the proposed site.